Dubai has recently passed a landmark regulation — Law No. (17) of 2025 — aimed at improving how lost and abandoned items are handled in the emirate. The update affects residents, visitors, and businesses. Here’s a breakdown of the key points, what’s changed, and what it means for you.
What Items Count — Lost vs. Abandoned Property
- Lost Property: Money or movable items of legal and financial value that have been unintentionally lost (the owner did not intend to give them up).
- Abandoned Property: Money or movable items of value that the owner or lawful possessor intentionally or implicitly relinquished, meaning ownership is given up.
- Exclusions: Stray animals are not considered lost or abandoned property under this law.
This distinction ensures clarity about what items fall under the law’s scope.
Responsibilities of Finders & How to Report Found Items
If you find a lost item (and are not a public employee on duty), you must:
- Register the item in the Dubai Police electronic system within 24 hours.
- Hand over the item to Dubai Police within 48 hours.
- Do not use, keep, or claim the property as your own — violations may lead to criminal penalties.
After handing it over, Dubai Police will issue an official receipt documenting:
- Description and condition of the item
- Where and when it was found
- Finder’s details
Owners’ Rights — How You Can Reclaim Lost Property
If you lose something:
- You have the right to reclaim your property before Dubai Police dispose of it.
- If the item is sold, you can claim its value within 3 years from the date it was found or announced.
- In case of multiple claimants, ownership or value is awarded to the person confirmed by a final court ruling.
- Owners must pay for any storage or announcement costs when retrieving their property or its value.
Incentives — Rewards for Honesty
To encourage good-faith finders:
- Dubai Police may issue a certificate of appreciation or a monetary reward equal to 10% of the item’s value, up to AED 50,000, regardless of whether the original owner claims it.
- If the property remains unclaimed after one year, the finder may request to keep it, subject to Dubai Police rules. If the rightful owner later comes forward, the item must be returned.
These incentives are designed to foster honesty and community cooperation.
Penalties & Compliance — Importance of Following the Rules
- Fines range from AED 500 to AED 100,000 for violations.
- Repeat offences within a year double the fines, up to AED 200,000.
- The law requires all government and private entities to cooperate with Dubai Police when handling lost or abandoned property.
Non-compliance can lead to serious consequences, including criminal penalties, so it is vital for everyone to stay informed.
What This Means for Dubai Residents, Visitors & Businesses
- Residents & visitors: If you find something, report and hand it over to Dubai Police immediately to stay compliant and potentially earn a reward.
- Property owners: Keep documentation safe, and use the regulated system to reclaim lost items or their value.
- Businesses (hotels, offices, public venues): You are obliged to cooperate with Dubai Police when handling lost or abandoned property. Staff must be aware of these rules.
